Few things guarantee business revenue for SMEs like a government contract, making state-linked agencies highly desirable clients.
In Malaysia, becoming a vendor of the federal, state, and local government requires registering as a supplier with the Ministry of Finance (MOF), commonly referred to as an MOF license.
We don’t mean to be nitpicky, but the proper term is ‘MOF Account’, which is what we’ll be using in this guide as we answer the top eight questions on registering your business with MOF.
For those who prefer official sources, see MOF’s full length guide (warning, long and in Bahasa Melayu).
Otherwise, let’s begin.
Table of Contents
- 1. What types of suppliers can SMEs register as?
- 2. What are MOF account requirements and limitations?
- 3. What are MOF Account ‘categories’?
- 4. Can you apply for an MOF license online?
- 5. What are required documents to register an MOF account?
- 6. How much does an MOF Account registration cost?
- 7. How do I register my MOF Account for Bumiputera Status?
- 8. How long does it take to register an MOF Account?
- Let MISHU help register your MOF account
1. What types of suppliers can SMEs register as?
There are two main types of supplier registrations open to SMEs:
- Basic Account: To transact with government agencies for contracts worth up to RM20,000 annually
- MOF Account: To transact with government agencies and GLCs for contracts RM20,000 and above annually
While Basic Account applications are free, they come with several drawbacks::
- only open to Malaysian citizens
- not eligible for consultant-based contracts
- not eligible to transact with non federal government agencies (GLCs, statutory bodies, Local Autorities (Pihak Berkusasa Tempatan), and
- only eligible for RM20,000 annual contracts
For these reasons businesses prefer to register for an MOF Account, and the rest of this FAQ addresses MOF Accounts, not Basic ones.
2. What are MOF account requirements and limitations?
There are five general requirements that apply to all parties applying for an MOF Account:
- be a registered business entity (can be Enterprise, LLP, or Sdn Bhd)
- have at least RM2,500 in paid up capital
- have an active bank account in the name of the business, and
- register under categories that align with the business SSM profile and activities
- have all necessary business licenses and permits
Some of you will wonder what we mean by ‘categories’ – we answer that in the next question.
For now, note that three categories come with additional paid up capital requirements:
Special Category | Minimum Paid-Up Capital |
100% Bumiputera and 51% Bumiputera ownership | RM50,000 |
Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) | RM2,000,000 |
Workshop, Shipyard, and Manufacturer | RM50,000 |
3. What are MOF Account ‘categories’?
‘Categories’ (known as ‘bidang’ in Bahasa Melayu) are activities that a business registers under to qualify for relevant contracts and tenders – a similar concept to MSIC codes.
Each category has its own unique code, for example the Multimodal Transport Operator (MTO) category with its hefty RM2 million paid up capital requirement.
When you apply for an MOF account, you choose the categories that apply to your business, and here’s what you should know beforehand:
- they must be relevant to the type of goods or service your business provides
- you can choose up to 30 categories (but you don’t have to)
- codes can be added and swapped out for different ones later for free
Depending on Bumiputera status and whether you operate in a commercial or residential address, some categories will be off limits and subject to a physical site visit before approval.
4. Can you apply for an MOF license online?
Yes, all applications are made via MOF’s ePerolehan portal.
Just be sure you have all the necessary documents beforehand, which brings us to our next question.
5. What are required documents to register an MOF account?
The documents required are based on the type of business entity applying. Across all entities, if applying for special categories applicants must include relevant licenses as proof.
Sdn Bhds
- Declaration Form
- Memorandum and Articles of Association/Section 14/Form 55 (for companies limited by guarantee)
- Form 24/Section 78 and Form 49/Section 58 for companies less than a year old
- latest Annual Returns for companies incorporated for more than 18 months
- Form 32A/Section 105/Section 11 (if applicable)
- a copy of owner / director identity card(s)
LLPs
- Declaration Form
- Certificate of Registration Form
- the latest business bank statement / deposit slip
- a copy of partners’ identity cards
Enterprises
- Declaration Form
- Form D/E*
- SSM Form
- the latest business bank statement / deposit slip
- a copy of the owner’s identity card
6. How much does an MOF Account registration cost?
As of October 2024, here’s what you’ll be paying for:
- RM50 for the application
- RM400 once the application is approved
Upon approval, you will receive a digital certificate which will be used for transactions and dealings on ePerolehan.
This certificate is valid for three years, after which you must pay RM120 for a further three year renewal.
7. How do I register my MOF Account for Bumiputera Status?
It doesn’t come with any extra cost, but you’ll need to submit additional documents as proof:
- Declaration Form
- Form 9/Form 13/Section 14
- Memorandum and Articles of Association
- Form 24/Section 78 and Form 49/Section 58
- Form 32A/Section 105/Section 11 (if applicable)
- Latest Annual Return Form*
- Annual Return Form for Corporate / Nominee Companies*
- Latest Company Bank Statement / Deposit Slip
- Check Signatory Resolution*
- Check Signatory Detail Form certified by the relevant bank
- Tenancy Agreement Stamped / Title Document (S&P) / Letter of Authorisation from the Premises Owner/Home/Copies of Title Deed
- Copy of Identity Card of the Owner / Director
- Latest employee EPF contribution statement and Payment Receipt
- Complete Organisation Chart with names and positions
- Detailed sketch map with clear landmarks and street names leading to the premises (downloaded from the internet is not accepted)
MOF authorities may conduct premise visits to verify the accuracy of information, androutinely carry out sporadic visits after approval to ensure continuous compliance.
8. How long does it take to register an MOF Account?
Assuming all documents and licenses have been compiled and there are no issues with the application, a typical MOF Account application takes about seven working days.
Applications for Bumiputera Status only happen once your MOF Account is created.
Hope that helps – all the best with your MOF License application!
Let MISHU help register your MOF account
If you have a better use of time than browsing forms and documents, get in touch with us – we’ve helped many businesses secure their MOF Accounts, and we’d be happy to help you.